Abdul Aziz Andriana’s journey from a Karya Salemba Empat (KSE) scholarship recipient at Universitas Padjadjaran to becoming the Country Manager of PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk in Saudi Arabia demonstrates how a scholarship can open doors to opportunities far beyond financial assistance.
Before embarking on his international career, Aziz began his professional journey in Indonesia before being given the opportunity to serve as BRI’s representative in Seoul, South Korea. Throughout this journey, the organizational experience, training, and professional networks he developed as a KSE scholarship recipient became integral to his personal and professional growth.
Together with banking partners in Saudi Arabia
From University to KSE: Learning to Lead and Building Character
Aziz first learned about KSE during his third year at Universitas Padjadjaran. Before joining KSE, he had received educational assistance primarily focused on semester tuition fees. However, KSE caught his attention because it offered a wide range of activities, opportunities to connect with fellow students, and avenues for personal development.
During his first two years of university, Aziz’s activities were largely limited to attending classes and playing futsal. As graduation approached, he began to realize the importance of gaining additional experience to prepare himself for the professional world.
“At the time, I felt that I had not been involved in enough activities. So, toward the end of my university years, I started looking for opportunities to gain exposure and explore what I could develop further,” he recalled.
To participate in KSE activities in Jatinangor, Aziz had to travel approximately 26 kilometers from Bandung by motorcycle. Although the journey was not always easy, he made an effort to attend because he wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to meet more people and gain new experiences.
That decision marked the beginning of a journey that would introduce him to organizational leadership, leadership training, and cross-campus networking.
During the 2015–2016 period, Aziz was entrusted with the role of Chairman of the KSE Student Association at Universitas Padjadjaran. He admitted that he initially had limited organizational experience. Encouragement from senior members and his desire for personal development gave him the confidence to take on the responsibility.
Leading approximately 140 scholarship recipients was no easy task. Aziz had to navigate different personalities, schedules, and priorities. Some members were actively involved in the association, others had to work part-time, while some were occupied with campus organizations or their final academic projects.
KSE activities with students from various universities
The experience taught him to understand each member’s circumstances before determining the right approach. Together with the committee, he sought to build engagement through both formal activities and informal gatherings, such as social meetups and breaking the fast together during Ramadan.
Formal and informal activities with fellow KSE members
Through this process, Aziz realized that building a community requires more than simply organizing programs or asking members to attend meetings. Building personal connections and adapting communication to each individual’s character are equally important.
“Everyone comes from a different background, with different needs and different levels of priority,” he explained.
Leading the association also transformed the way Aziz communicated and collaborated with others. Previously inclined toward working independently, he began to understand that many things can only be accomplished through collaboration.
The two most important lessons he took away were communication and initiative. A leader needs to understand the people they work with while also having the courage to take action and turn ideas into reality.
In addition to his involvement in the association, Aziz participated in KSE training programs at the Indonesian Military Academy (Akmil) in Magelang in 2013 and 2014, as well as other personal development activities.
His first experience at Akmil was among the most memorable. The intensive schedule required him to maintain discipline, manage his time effectively, and complete every task according to established requirements.
Through this experience, he learned that even limited time can be used effectively when approached with discipline. The habit of postponing tasks needed to be replaced with a willingness to take immediate action and fulfill responsibilities.
Outdoor activities with fellow participants
KSE training at the Indonesian Military Academy (Akmil), Magelang
The training also encouraged him to become more proactive in taking on responsibilities. Whenever a new opportunity or assignment arose, he learned not to wait for others to take the first step. His experiences at KSE became an important part of his university years. For Aziz, organizational activities and training provided a different learning environment from academic studies, particularly in developing leadership, teamwork, and readiness to face challenges.
Future Leaders Scholarship (Axiata) activities
Building a Career at BRI: From Trade Finance to Global Banking
Aziz began his career at BRI as a Trade Finance Specialist in the BSD area. He subsequently moved to the head office, where he worked in the remittance business. During approximately four years and eight months at the head office, he gained valuable experience in understanding banking systems, policies, products, and business processes.
Within the international division, opportunities for overseas assignments were greater. Aziz made a decision that reflected his characteristic approach: once he had committed to something, he would give it his full commitment. When BRI opened a position in Seoul, he was entrusted with the assignment.
The posting became an important milestone in his professional journey. He had to adapt to a new environment, both in his daily life and in working with business partners.
Together with his family in Seoul, South Korea
Meeting with business partners in Seoul
As a Muslim, Aziz faced challenges in finding halal food and suitable places to worship. In the workplace, he also learned about South Korea’s professional culture, which places strong emphasis on speed and punctuality.
These experiences taught him the importance of honoring commitments, meeting deadlines, and continuously improving the quality of his work.
He also recognized that foreign language proficiency, including English and the local language, could help strengthen communication and build professional relationships.
Meetings with business partners and colleagues in South Korea
Business meeting in Seoul
Discussions and strengthening professional relationships
Following his assignment in South Korea, Aziz once again pursued an opportunity to serve in another country. This time, he was entrusted with the position of BRI Country Manager in Saudi Arabia.
Serving in Saudi Arabia: Meetings at the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh, the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah, and business engagements
The greater responsibility brought new challenges. He needed to adapt his communication approach and conduct intensive follow-ups throughout the business process. The experience reinforced his understanding that working in an international environment requires adaptability, perseverance, and professionalism.
Maintaining communication and following up with business partners
Together with banking colleagues in Saudi Arabia
For Aziz, an overseas assignment is not merely an opportunity to work in another country. He sees it as a responsibility to make a meaningful contribution to the company.
“When we are entrusted with a role overseas, we must be able to leave a legacy. What can we contribute to the company? What can we deliver to the head office?” he explained.
Contributing to the Indonesian community and partners in South Korea
Competencies and Networks as Key Assets
According to Aziz, technical expertise is one of the key foundations for carrying out professional responsibilities at the international level. Individuals need to understand their field of work, master relevant systems and policies, and have sufficient experience to address challenges on the ground.
Together with the Indonesian community in South Korea
BRI activities with the community in Seoul
Language proficiency is also an added advantage. He acknowledged that foreign language skills can open up broader opportunities and help individuals establish professional relationships with various stakeholders.
Beyond professional competencies, the networks he built during university have also continued to provide value. His connections with fellow KSE alumni and students from various universities have become a platform for exchanging information and supporting one another.
He recalled meeting a KSE alumnus during BRI training in Lampung, who later helped him prepare for an examination. The alumni network also helped him establish connections with colleagues across various BRI business units.
These experiences demonstrate that relationships built during university can continue to provide meaningful benefits as individuals enter the professional world.
Scholarships as a Bridge to Greater Opportunities
Having progressed from a scholarship recipient to a professional entrusted with an overseas assignment, Aziz considers KSE an important part of his personal and professional development.
In his view, a scholarship does more than help students meet their educational needs. It can also serve as a bridge to broader opportunities through activities, training, organizational experience, and networking.
Personal development activities with fellow scholarship recipients
Building camaraderie through personal development activities
“A scholarship is not only a source of support, but also a bridge that enables us to achieve things far beyond our previous expectations,” he said.
Aziz encourages fellow scholarship recipients not to close themselves off from the opportunities available during their university years. He advises students to be courageous in taking on responsibilities, demonstrate initiative, and develop the competencies needed to achieve their goals after graduation.
For those aspiring to pursue a particular career or work overseas, preparation should begin early. Opportunities are easier to seize when individuals have already developed the necessary skills and established a clear plan. Aziz also expressed his gratitude to the donors who have supported the KSE Scholarship Program. He hopes that their support will continue, enabling more students to access educational opportunities and develop their potential.
Graduation day with family
The experiences he gained as a scholarship recipient are also something he hopes to pass on. Whenever the opportunity arises, he is willing to share his stories and experiences with KSE students who are embarking on a similar journey.
Aziz’s journey reminds us that opportunities become more meaningful when accompanied by a willingness to learn, the courage to take responsibility, and a genuine commitment to making a contribution.
For Aziz, the key is to remain open to available opportunities and make the most of every responsibility entrusted to us. Experiences that begin during university can become valuable foundations for reaching greater heights, building a career, and continuing to create positive impact for others.